Cockerill to take charge at Edinburgh

Cockerill has agreed a two-year contract with Edinburgh and will take over in the off-season from acting head coach Duncan Hodge, who plans to return to his previous post of backs coach.

The England international took a short-term role with Toulon after being sacked by Leicester last month following eight years at Welford Road.

But the 46-year-old has now agreed to take on a permanent challenge with the Scottish side once his time with the French team is over at the end of this season.

"I am very pleased to have secured Richard's services given how highly sought after he was from leading clubs across Europe," Scottish Rugby Chief Executive Mark Dodson said.

"As a highly-experienced, winning coach we targeted him and worked hard to ensure his talents could be secured for the benefit of Edinburgh Rugby.

"I believe his appointment clearly demonstrates our commitment to developing and maintaining success at our professional clubs in Scotland."

Cockerill coached Leicester to three English Premiership titles, but was dismissed as Director of Rugby in January after a run of disappointing results.

Cockerill, who won 27 caps for England, said: "I am very much looking forward to a new challenge and the opportunity at Edinburgh ticked all the boxes.

"The conversations I had with Mark Dodson and Scott Johnson [Scottish Rugby Director of Rugby] were instrumental in understanding what the vision for Edinburgh Rugby is and it is a project I'm excited to be a part of.

"I'm also relishing the chance of coaching in the Pro12, which is a new league for me, and working with a clearly talented group of players."

Agence France-Presse